Manchester United will “review” Ruben Amorim’s position at the club this summer even if the Portuguese coach wins the Europa League, according to a report.
Dale McDonnell (Daily Mirror) reveals the Old Trafford hierarchy will analyse Amorim’s performances as head coach after the Red Devils have endured an abysmal season domestically.
While United could still salvage success with victory in the Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao, it would do little to paper over the cracks of an appalling Premier League campaign.
Amorim’s side are currently 16th in the table and are still yet to hit the 40 point threshold which typically guarantees safety from relegation. With two games to go, United have already broken multiple (unwanted) records in terms of points, goals, and losses.
And with two team’s final two league games coming against Chelsea and Aston Villa, even the most positive fan would find it difficult to imagine United breaking the 40 point mark, given the team’s form.
If not for the woeful performances of the three promoted sides – Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton – United would have almost certainly been engaged in an unthinkable battle to avoid demotion to the Championship.
Ironically, the Reds’ opponents in the Europa League – Tottenham Hotspur – are one place lower in 17th, although Ange Postecoglou’s side have already beaten United three times this season.
But McDonnell contends INEOS – who gained full control over the football operation at Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ratification as co-owner last year – will still conduct a “review” of Amorim’s position, even if United beat Spurs in Bilbao.
Should United win the Europa League, it would grant qualification into next season’s Champions League – an invaluable reward given the plethora of financial boots which come with playing in Europe’s elite competition.
And given the comprehensive overhaul Amorim needs of his first-team squad for his trademark 3-4-2-1 system to have any chance of succeeding, the final in Spain could prove make-or-break for long-term future of the Portuguese coach.
It is standard practice at a Premier League club for the executive branch to analyse a season at its denouement, meaning it is not thought to be a pressing concern for Amorim’s position based on this review. But it will prove a lot easier to survive with a European trophy and Champions League qualification in the bag.
Bilbao or bust has never been truer for the 40-year-old coach.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
